Above: Montego Bay

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaica is planning a “major rehabilitation and upgrading” project this year in the country’s resort areas, including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Port Royal.

The group of projects will come at a cost of around $12 million USD, funded by the country’s Tourism Enhancement Fund.

“Already, Memoranda of Agreements have been signed and a total of [$5.4 million] has been put in place to start these projects,” said Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill. “These funds have already been transferred to the implementing agencies.”

In September, work will begin in Ocho Rios on an infrastructural development project, which will include the “rehabilitation of the area between the Sunset Jamaica Grand Resort and Spa and the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Pier,” according to the government.

The first phase will include the cruise ship pier and Turtle River Road.

“There will be improvements to Main Street including work to be done on the sidewalks, improved landscaping and new architecture,” McNeill said. “Also, the boardwalk along the seaside between the cruise ship pier and back to the Jamaica Grande side will be totally refurbished to allow free access to Jamaicans and visitors alike.”

Additionally, the government is planning to provide lighting for the entire “Elegant Corridor” in St JAmes.

That area stretches from the Sangster International Airport to Lillitput, a distance of about 27 kilometres.

LED technology will be used, according to McNeill.

In Port Royal, the government is beginning work to rehabilitate the Naval Hospital and create a museum for artifacts found at sea over the years.
“We are also working with the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) to identify and determine an archaeological dig along this walkway,” McNeill said. “This will become an additional attraction, as it will be cordoned off and become an active archaeological site.”